Exercise glove

ABSTRACT

An exercise glove, comprising: a palm portion; a dorsal portion; a knuckles portion; and a fingers portion; wherein said palm portion comprises two layers configured to slide against one another with low friction, but engage with high friction the hand of a user and an item to be gripped. Additionally, the dorsal portion and the knuckles portion are connected at a first seam; wherein said first seam runs substantially along a back of a hand of a user; and caused the exercise glove to be secured to the hand.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to exercise gloves, and, in particular,to exercise gloves designed to prevent callous formation and enhancegrip while preserving hands natural hand functionality of motor andsensory functioning.

BACKGROUND

In order to make gripping objects easier, humans invented handles. Whilethe man-made handles allows for easier manipulation of objects, handlescan create friction on a user's hand which tends to lead to callousformation. Friction may occur by back and forth movement of the handleon the skin while the bones of the hand are squeezing on the skinagainst the handle.

While callous formation by friction is common in many fields wherehandles are used, this callous formation is especially problematic inexercise and fitness. In exercise and fitness, handles tend to be madefor durability, which can be harsh on the user's hands. Various types ofhandles are used in fitness but the most common handles are made out ofmetal because of metal's innate durability. While metal is durable,metal may be difficult to securely hold under sweaty conditions. Handlesare often made of textured or patterned metal to avoid hand slippingwhich can lead to injury to the user or a person near the user. Thesehandles tend to be harsh enough on the skin to create adequate frictionto lead to callouses. Callouses tend to be aesthetically displeasing andmay be felt during a handshake. Additionally, callouses sometimesdecrease the efficiency to the user in their task.

With the growing popularity of strength training due to itscardiovascular and strength benefits, more people are getting intohigh-intensity strength training. With the increase of this type oftraining, callouses are becoming more common. These callouses are a hugeproblem in fitness, because callous formation increases the chances ofpinching and tearing skin during the use of handles. The bigger thecallous, the more likely that a large piece of skin may be ripped offthe user's hand, which may lead to forcing the user to forego exercisewhile recovering from the ripped skin. This may lead to the user notbeing to reach their maximum potential.

To solve this problem, the most commonly used mechanism is using a glovethat simply covers the entirety or just a part of the hands. Currently,there are various exercise or weight lifting gloves available on themarket that attempt to reduce callous formation and enhance grip, butthese gloves are limited and flawed. Although weightlifting gloves areable to enhance grip of the user, the gloves are not effective atpreventing callouses. The gloves in the market are not made to solve theroot cause of calluses, which is friction. The gloves on the marketgenerally use foam, gels and padding to protect the hand. However, thecommonly available one-layer design of the gloves cause the glove itselfrub against the user's hand, thereby creating friction that may lead tocallous formation. This friction may distract the user, causing the userto lose focus on the task of gripping. Sometimes these exercise glovesare not even able to prevent callous formation because the amount offriction applied to the user's hand and the weight lifting handle causesthe user's hand to be stretched and pulled in the same manner as thetextured or patterned metal grip does. The material used on the glove isgenerally a thick single layer, which means that the same fabric that istouching the user is also touching the weight grip.

Another deficiency in the gloves currently available on the market isthat they are generally not built with the user's natural handfunctionality in mind, which further reduces the user's efficiency whererepetitive gripping is necessary. The term ‘natural hand functionality’refers to a hand's sensitivity, breathability, grip and flexibility.While some of the prior art discloses partial hand coverage, theygenerally fail to implement a method to secure the gloves on the user'shand without stressing the user's hand. For example, U.S. Pat. No.1,887,278, issued to Auster, discloses a glove which covers half of thepalm is secured on the finger. However, this securing method does nothold the gloves in place. Furthermore the palm portion is free movingthus creating a distraction and discomfort for the user thus notproviding ‘natural hand functionality.’

Additionally, while U.S. Pat. No. 1,954,262, issued to Pottor, disclosesa glove that covers only part of the hand to aid a golf player, Pottorsecures the glove diagonally, which squeezes nerves on the side of thehand, creating discomfort. While there are many gloves which onlypartially cover the user's hand, they generally fail to implement a wayto secure the glove which does not pinch nerves.

Another feature lacking in most gloves available on the market is theability to provide proper ergonometric guidance to enhance gripping andreduce torque on the wrist. In strength training, the wrist bears a lotof the pressure in most pushing movements and there is a naturaltendency to bend the wrist while pushing, which can be harmful. Thus aglove with proper ergonometric guidance may reduce the stress on theuser's wrists and can enhance proper lifting technique. Some gloves onthe market attempt to remedy this deficiency by using foam/gels andpadding to better guide the user's hands, but the increased materialsmay end up hurting the user because the increased circumference added bythe padding reduces hand sensitivity and eventually reduces grip in thelong run after repetitive use. A basic principle of wrist pressure isthat the more weight that is placed near the fingers may create anundesirable torque in pushing movements.

Therefore, there remains a long felt need in the art for an exerciseglove, which when used in weight lifting, reduces callous formation,provides increased natural hand functionality, and provides properergonomic guidance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the cited references, and to minimizeother limitations that will become apparent upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, the following discloses anexercise glove, which provides a user with protection against callousformation while gripping handles for weight lifting, hammering, andother gripping activities by reducing the amount of friction experiencesby the user's hand.

In one embodiment, when worn on a user's hand during weight lifting, thenew exercise glove may provide protection against the formation ofcallouses using a minimal amount of material and due to the uniqueconfiguration of high friction causing and low friction causingsurfaces. High friction causing surface may be in contact with theuser's hand and item to be gripped, while a low friction causingsurfaces may be in contact with one another, allowing for stress to bedistributed across a greater portion of the user's hand.

In one embodiment, the new exercise glove may increase comfort of thehand of the user because a constricting or squeezing force may beexcluded from the glove, which reduces the pinching of the nerves on thehand. This may be done by using a curved seam behind the knuckles, whichmay resistably engage the knuckles when an item is gripped.

In one embodiment, because of the two-layer palm system, the base of thenew exercise glove may be rolled towards the fingers to cause a wedge tobe formed. This wedge may enhance gripping technique and stop a barbellfrom rolling towards the user's fingers, thereby promoting proper formand technique, especially in the wrist.

In one embodiment, the new glove has a minimalist construction designand only covers the fingers, knuckles, and a partial portion of thepalm. Accordingly, the disclosed exercise glove may be comfortable andmay feel as if the user is not even wearing a glove.

It is an object of the new glove to overcome the limitations of theprior art.

One embodiment of the new exercise glove may comprise: an exerciseglove, comprising: a palm portion; a dorsal portion; a knuckles portion;and a fingers portion. The fingers portion may comprise a plurality offinger holes, an upper fingers portion, an under fingers portion, and awebbing fingers portion. The dorsal portion and the knuckles portion maybe connected at a first seam. The first seam may run substantially alonga back of a hand of a user. The palm portion may comprise two layers, afirst layer and a second layer. The first layer and the second layer mayhave a low amount of friction between them, such that when a user donsthe exercise gloves the low amount of friction between the first layerand the second layer substantially prevents callous formation on thehand of the user.

In another embodiment, the palm portion may be constructed from a singlepiece of material; and the two layers may be created by folding thesingle piece of material.

In another embodiment, the first layer may comprise a first top surfaceand a first bottom surface. The first top surface may be configured tobe in contact with a portion of a palm of the user. The second layer maycomprise a second top surface and a second bottom surface; and thesecond bottom surface may be configured to be in contact with an objectto be gripped. The first top surface preferably has a high amount offriction with the palm of the user. Preferably, the second bottomsurface has a high amount of friction with the object to be gripped. Theknuckles portion may be constructed from a substantially flexible andelastic material, such that the exercise glove is substantiallyprevented from inadvertently slipping off the hand of the user.

In another embodiment, the dorsal portion may constructed from asubstantially inelastic and semi-rigid material, such that the exerciseglove is substantially prevented from inadvertently slipping off thehand of the user.

In another embodiment, the first seam may be curved and is configured torest behind a plurality of first knuckles of the user, such that whenthe user is gripping an object, the seam substantially prevents theexercise glove from inadvertently slipping off the hand of the user byresistibly engaging the bones of the user.

In another embodiment, the knuckles portion is constructed from asubstantially flexible and elastic material, wherein the dorsal portionis constructed from a substantially inelastic and semi-rigid material,and wherein the first seam is substantially curved along the back handof the user, such that an arc tensioning system is created, whichsubstantially prevents the glove from inadvertently slipping off thehand of the user.

In another embodiment, the exercise glove may further comprise a tab,wherein the tab may provide the user with a point of contact to don theexercise glove more easily.

In another embodiment, the under fingers portion may comprise aplurality of second knuckle tabs, wherein the second knuckle tabs extendthe under fingers portion to a distal end of a plurality of secondknuckles of the user; and wherein the upper fingers portion and thewebbing fingers portion extend to a proximal end of the plurality ofsecond knuckles of the user, such that the under fingers portion extendsfurther along a plurality of fingers of a user than the upper fingersportion and the webbing fingers portion. Alternatively, the fingerportions may extend along the entire length of the user's fingers.

In another embodiment of the exercise glove, the palm portion of theexercise glove may be configured to form a wedge, which may providebetter ergonomic support for the user's hand by helping guide the userto place the weight towards the bottom of the palm towards the wrists.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the exercise glove claimedand disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows a top view of one embodiment of the exercise glove with auser's right hand in the exercise glove.

FIG. 1 b shows a top view of one embodiment of the exercise glove.

FIG. 2 a shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's right hand in the exercise glove.

FIG. 2 b shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the exercise glove.

FIG. 3 a shows a right side view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's right hand in the exercise glove.

FIG. 3 b shows a right side view of one embodiment of the exerciseglove.

FIG. 4 a shows a left side view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's right hand in the exercise glove.

FIG. 4 b shows a left side view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's hand.

FIG. 5 a shows a front view of one embodiment of the exercise glove witha user's right hand in the exercise glove.

FIG. 5 b shows a front view of one embodiment of the exercise glove.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the exercise gloves taken alonglines 6-6 of FIG. 2 b in the direction of the arrows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of various embodiments of theinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments ofthe invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without some or all of these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have notbeen described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofembodiments of the invention.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the graphs, figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof,are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also,the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of theinvention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the particularstructures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but isextended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by thoseordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understoodthat terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describecertain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. Forexample, a surface that is “substantially” flat would mean that theobject is either completely flat or nearly completely flat. The exactallowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in somecases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, thenearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result asif absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of“substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negativeconnotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action,characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

As used herein, the term “seam” generally refers to the line createdjoining two pieces of fabric, cloth, or material. As used herein, theterm “knuckles” generally refers to the joints behind the base of eachfinger. As used herein, the term “first knuckle” generally refers to thejoint behind the base of each finger. As used herein, the term “secondknuckle” generally refers to the joints of the fingers adjacent to thefirst knuckle. As used herein, the term “dorsal” generally refers to theback of the hand, between the knuckles and the wrist. As used herein,the term “palm” generally refers to the front of the hand, opposite thedorsal or back of the hand. As used herein, the term “layer” generallyrefers to a single sheet of fabric, cloth, or material. A layer, as usedherein, may generally be flexible. As used herein, the term “friction”generally refers to the force caused when two objects are in contact andresists motion of the two objects relative to one another. As usedherein, the term “friction amount” generally refers to the level offriction caused by the two objects being in contact. As used herein, theterm “low amount of friction” generally means that the amount offriction is not particular strong and the two objects that have a lowamount of friction between them may slide against one another withrelative ease. As used herein, the term “high amount of friction”generally means that the amount of friction is strong and the twoobjects that have a high amount of friction between them do not easilyslide against one another. As used herein, the term “surface” generallyrefers to one side of a layer. Generally a layer has two sides, andtherefore, two surfaces. As used herein, the term “contact plane”generally refers to the portions of two surfaces of two separate layersthat are touching one another. As used herein, a contact plane need notbe flat, and may conform to a curve, and may be flexible. The contactplane may also be substantially contoured or conforming to the user'shand and/or an item to be gripped.

As used herein, the phrase “an item to be gripped” generally refers toanything a user holds while wearing the exercise glove. This may be ahandle or gripping portion of an item to be lifted. Often this may be abarbell handle, dumbbell handle, or other exercise equipment handle. Asused herein, the term “gripping material” generally refers to thematerials normally used in weight lifting gloves on the palm and fingersto prevent callous formation and enhance grip. This material may beleather or any other material which allows the wearer to grip objects orprevent callouses.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

FIG. 1 a shows a top view of one embodiment of the exercise glove with auser's right hand in the exercise glove. As shown in FIG. 1 a, theexercise glove 100 on a hand 105 comprises: a knuckles portion 110; adorsal portion 115; fingers portion 118; under fingers portion 120;upper fingers portion 125; webbing fingers portion 130; tab 135; firstseam 140; finger seams 602, thumb side seam 600, and pinky side seam601.

The knuckles portion 110 may comprise a thin, lightweight, elastic, andflexible material. The knuckles portion 110 may cover the portion of thehand between the base of the fingers to slightly behind the firstknuckles, or the area between the one or more upper portions of one ormore fingers portion 118 and the dorsal portion 115 on the back of thehand.

The dorsal portion 115 may comprise a material which is flexible, butwhich is substantially not stretchable or elastic. The dorsal portion115 may cover a portion of the back of the hand extending from theknuckles portion 110. The amount of the back of the hand covered by thedorsal portion 115 may be minimal, extending only a couple millimetersfrom the edge of the knuckles 110 portion to covering other portions ofthe back of the hand. The fingers portion 118, as shown, comprise: theunder fingers portion 120; the upper fingers portion 125; and thewebbing fingers portion 130. The three portions 120, 125, 130 of thefingers portion 118 may all be the same material, may be differentmaterials, may be single continuous piece of material, and/or may besewn, glued, or otherwise permanently affixed together. In oneembodiment, the under fingers portion 120 may be a gripping material. Inone embodiment, the webbing fingers portion 130 may be an elastic,stretchable, and/or mesh material, which may allow for a better fit andmore breathability of the fingers portion 118. In one embodiment, thetop fingers portion 125 may be an elastic, stretchable, and/or meshmaterial. Alternatively, for ease of construction and manufacture thetop fingers portion 125 may be the same material as the knuckles portion110. In one embodiment, the fingers portion 118 may extend the entirelength of the user's fingers.

The tab 135 may be substantially any material appropriate for use in aglove. As shown, the tab 135 may be configured to have a loop or hollowportion such that a set of keys or other types of object may be easilysecured to the exercise glove 100. The objects may also be secured via akey ring or a carabiner, which may connect to the tab 135. The tab 135may also be used to allow for easier putting on of the exercise glove100 by giving the user a point of contact to don the glove with theopposite hand.

The first seam 140 may be a seam between the knuckles portion 110 andthe dorsal portion 115. The first seam 140 may be curved towardsencompassing the knuckles portion 110. The first seam 140 may besemi-rigid to create an arc tensioning system. The first seam 140 may bemade semi-rigid through various methods. One method of making the firstseam 140 semi-rigid is by using a substantially inelastic andsubstantially rigid or semi-rigid material for the dorsal portion 140.Alternatively, a patch, insert, or semi-rigid add-on may be added alongnext to, or within the first seam 140, such as, but not limited to, asubstantially inelastic swatch of fabric. In addition to the semi-rigidfirst seam 140, the arc tensioning system is enhanced by using astretchable or elastic fabric on the knuckles portion 110.

The combination of a semi-rigid first seam 140 and a stretchable orelastic fabric knuckles portion 110 prevents, or substantially resultsin, the exercise glove 100 not falling off the hand 105 when the hand105 is being used to grip and lift or otherwise forming a fist. When ina fist or gripping, the knuckles of the hand 105 protrude upwards,stretching the elastic knuckles portion 110. The knuckles of the usermay then effectively act as a barrier, such that the semi-rigid firstseam 140 prevents the glove 100 from falling off or slipping off thehand 105. This embodiment of the glove means that the user does not haveto use strong compression elastics or uncomfortable straps to keep theglove 100 on a user's hand. The elastic material of the knuckles portion110 preferably does not have a strong compression force and anycompression force it may have is not the reason that the glove 100 stayson the user's hand. In this manner the glove 100 is comfortable to wear,even for extended periods of time and substantially does not compressthe hand or fingers of the user or pinch the nerves of the user.

FIG. 1 b shows a top view of one embodiment of the exercise glove. Theexercise glove 100 of FIG. 1 b is the same as shown in FIG. 1 a, but isnot shown being worn on a hand 105 of the user.

FIG. 2 a shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's right hand in the exercise glove. As shown in FIG. 2 a,the exercise glove 100 further comprises a palm portion 245. As shown inFIG. 6, the palm portion 245 of the exercise glove 100 may have two ormore layers. As shown in FIG. 2 a, the palm portion 245 may beconfigured to not cover the entirety of the palm of the hand 105, andpreferably stops coverage perpendicular to the base of the thumb.

FIG. 2 b shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the exercise glove.The exercise glove 100 of FIG. 2 b is the same as shown in FIG. 2 a, butis not shown being worn on a hand 105 of the user. FIGS. 2 a and 2 b,shows how the under fingers portion 120 may comprise a second knuckletab 246. As shown, the second knuckle tab 246 preferably extends theunder fingers portion 120 beyond the webbing fingers portion 130 and topfingers portion 125. In this embodiment, the top part of a user's secondknuckles are substantially unencumbered and the palm or bottom portionof the second knuckles of the user are covered and/or protected.

FIG. 3 a shows a right side view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's hand in the exercise glove. As shown in FIG. 3 a, theexercise glove 100 may further comprise: a second seam 350; and a thirdseam 355. The second seam 350 may hold the palm portion 245 and theknuckles portion 110 and/or fingers portion 118 together. Where thematerial used is a continuous piece of material between portions 245,110, and 118, no second seam 350 would be required or would be present.Additionally, the location of the second seam 350 may be adjusted. Thethird seam 355 may connect the palm portion 245 and the dorsal portion115 together. As shown in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, and 4 b, the dorsalportion 115 and the palm portion 245 are preferably a single piece ofmaterial that is connected to itself at seam 355. Seam 355 is placed onthe pinky side of hand 105 for comfort and may be placed at any locationon the glove 100.

Where the knuckles portion 110 and the fingers portion 118 are differentmaterials or separate pieces that are then sewn or otherwise permanentlyaffixed, an additional seam may be used to connect the knuckles portion110 to the portions 120, 125, 130 of the fingers portion 118.

FIG. 3 b shows a right side view of one embodiment of the exerciseglove. The exercise glove 100 of FIG. 3 b is the same as shown in FIG. 3a, but is not shown being worn on a hand 105 of the user.

FIG. 4 a shows a left side view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's hand in the exercise glove. As shown in FIG. 4 a, theexercise glove 100 may further comprise: a fourth seam 460. The fourthseam 460 may be configured to connect the knuckles portion 110 and/orthe fingers portion 118 to the palm portion 245. As shown in FIG. 4 a,the palm portion 245 may cover only a portion of the palm of the hand105, and preferably not substantially past the base of the user's thumb,and may extend towards the dorsal portion 115. While there may be a seambetween the palm portion 245 and dorsal portion 115, if a continuouspiece of material is used between the portions, as shown in FIGS. 4 aand 4 b, there may be no seam. Thus, in configuration shown there maynot necessarily be a precise border or demarcation to differentiatebetween the dorsal portion 115 and the palm portion 245.

FIG. 4 b shows a left side view of one embodiment of the exercise glovewith a user's hand. The exercise glove 100 of FIG. 4 b is the same asshown in FIG. 4 a, but is not shown being worn on a hand 105 of theuser.

FIG. 5 a shows a front view of one embodiment of the exercise glove witha user's right hand in the exercise glove.

FIG. 5 b shows a front view of one embodiment of the exercise glove, butis not shown being worn on a hand 105 of the user. As shown in FIG. 5 b,the exercise glove 100 further comprises finger holes 565. The fingerholes 565 may be formed by the fingers portion 118 and may be configuredto receive fingers. The webbing fingers portion 130 may define the sidesof the finger holes 565. It should be understood that the presentdisclosure covers embodiments that would be worn by a user who may havelost one or more fingers or other portions of the hands.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the exercise glove100 from FIG. 2 b. FIG. 6 is not to scale, and has been expanded for thepurposes of illustrating the folded palm portion 650. Preferably, theunder fingers portion 120 and palm portion 245 comprise the folded palmportion 650. Although under fingers portion 120 and palm portion 245 maybe made from several different pieces of material that are sewn, glued,or otherwise affixed to each other, they are preferably made from asingle piece of material. Further, although under fingers portion 120and palm portion 245 may be a single layer, in a preferred embodimentunder fingers portion 120 and palm portion 245 comprise two layers asthe folded palm portion 650. As shown in FIG. 6, under fingers portion120 and palm portion 245 comprise a single piece of material that hasbeen folded to create the two layers of the folded palm portion 650.

As shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 6, the fingerseams 602, thumb side seam 600, and pinky side seam 601 may attach theedges of the folded palm portion 650 to itself.

As shown in FIG. 6, the folded palm portion 650 of the exercise glove100 may further comprise: a first layer 671; a second layer 672; and aninterior portion 670. The first layer 671 may comprise a first topsurface 675 and a first bottom surface 680. The second layer 672 maycomprise a second top surface 685 and a second bottom surface 690.

As shown in FIG. 6, the folded palm portion 650 may be a single piece ofmaterial which is folded at one end to create the first layer 671 andthe second layer 672. The combination of the first layer 671 and secondlayer 672 may create the interior portion 670. In one embodiment, thefolded palm portion 650 may be intermittently sewn to itself at thefinger seams 602, thumb side seam 600, and pinky side seam 601. Thisallows the folded palm portion 650 to hold its structure, yet not berestricted from sliding against itself. When a user dons the glove 100,the first layer 671 and the second layer 672 substantially form acontact plane as they are pressed together by the user's hand. The handpreferably slides in between the knuckles portion 110 and the first topsurface 675, which then causes first and second layers 671, 672 to bepressed together. When a hand is placed inside the exercise glove 100and the user grips or picks up an object, the first layer 671 is incontact with the user's hand and the second layer 672 is contact withthe object, the first layer 671 may come into contact with the secondlayer 672, which may reduce the volume encompassed by the interiorportion 670.

In various embodiments, the folded palm portion 650 may be a single typeof material, may be two types of materials connected, or may be a singlematerial with each of its surfaces different from the other.

When the first layer 671 and the second layer 672 are formed by foldedpalm portion 650 being folded, then the first top surface 675 and thesecond bottom surface 690 may be the same material and/or have the sametexture. Similarly, in this embodiment, the first bottom surface 680 andthe second top surface 685 may be the same material. When differentmaterials are desired for the first layer 671 and the second layer 672,two pieces of fabric or two pieces of material may be sewn together orotherwise connected to achieve a two layer palm portion.

In one embodiment of the exercise glove 100, the first top surface 675and the second bottom surface 690 may be a material which generallycreates a high amount of friction. This may be accomplished by usingleather, suede, faux leather, neoprene, foam, rubber, or any othermaterial that has a tendency to create a high amount of friction. Inthis embodiment, the user's hand and the object gripped substantially donot slip or slide relative to surfaces 675, 690.

In one embodiment of the exercise glove 100, the first bottom surface680 and the second top surface 685 may be a slick or slippery materialthat has a low amount of friction. This may be accomplished by usingpolyester, nylon, Teflon® or any other types of materials or coatingsthat have a low amount of friction when used together. In thisembodiment the folded palm portion 650 will slip and slide againstitself, which will further prevent the folded palm portion 650 fromslipping against the hand of the user, which substantially prevents ordecreases callous formation on the user's hand. Additionally, the firstbottom surface 680 and the second top surface 685 may be grooved toallow the first layer 671 and second layer 672 to slip and slide in thedirection of the grooves, and resist sliding in directions not accordingto the grooves.

In one embodiment, the folded palm portion 650 is a single piece ofmaterial with one surface being low friction and one surface being highfriction. In this embodiment, the first layer 671 and second layer 672may be formed by folding the material used in the two layer palm portion673 such that the first top surface 675 and second bottom surface 690are the same high friction material. Additionally, in this configurationthe first bottom surface 680 and second top surface 685 comprise thesame low friction causing material. An additional benefit of thistwo-layer system created by a folded palm portion 650 is that the foldedpalm portion 650 may be rolled up along the user's hand to create awedge which guides the user's placement and use of the item to begripped.

One of the benefits of using a two layer system in the folded palmportion 650 as shown in FIG. 6 is that by allowing the first layer 671and the second layer 672 to have low friction between them, they areable to slide against each other relatively easily, while the higherfriction created between the two folded palm portion 650 and a hand anditem to be gripped secure the hand relative to the item to be gripped.One effect of this configuration is reducing the amount of stressexperienced by the skin on the palm of a user. If the item is grippedwithout a glove with a two layer configuration, such as bare handed orwith a gloves of single layer design without the added low frictionsurfaces, then the weight of the item being gripped has the ability topull on the skin of the palm and may cause bunching of skin near thebase of the fingers. This may lead to callous formation. The two layerconstruction with a low friction contact plane helps prevent this skinpulling because the stress may be distributed through the entire areacovered by the folded palm portion 650 and other portions of the hand,rather than a specific small portion of the hand.

The foregoing written description is directed to an exercise gloveconfigured to be worn on the right hand, but a simple minor image orotherwise modified version of the foregoing exercise glove would bewearable on the left hand. Additionally, was minor variations, a glovemay be designed that may be worn on either the left or the right handsuch that the glove may be deemed ambidextrous. This ambidextrous designmay be beneficial over the prior art because it would create an exerciseglove that may be worn on either hand, whereas exercise gloves thatcover the thumb are not ambidextrous. In the interests of brevity, adetailed description for a left handed or ambidextrous glove has beenexcluded from this description. The description of the right handedexercise glove is sufficient to disclose a left handed or ambidextrousexercise glove.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The inventionshould therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment,method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within thescope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

The foregoing description of the embodiment of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. Whilemultiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrativeembodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention iscapable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrativein nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited,one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combinationor conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference ornon-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not beinterpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that thescope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, butby the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appendedhereto.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated orillustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedicationof any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, orequivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recitedin the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise glove, comprising: a palm portion; adorsal portion; a knuckles portion; and a fingers portion; wherein saidfingers portion comprises a plurality of finger holes, an upper fingersportion, an under fingers portion, and a webbing fingers portion;wherein said palm portion comprises two layers, a first layer and asecond layer; and wherein said first layer and said second layer have alow amount of friction between them, such that when a user dons saidexercise gloves said low amount of friction between said first layer andsaid second layer substantially prevents callous formation on said handof said user.
 2. The exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said palmportion is constructed from a single piece of material; and wherein saidtwo layers are created by folding said single piece of material.
 3. Theexercise glove of claim 1, wherein said first layer comprises a firsttop surface and a first bottom surface; wherein said first top surfaceis configured to be in contact with a portion of a palm of said user;wherein said second layer comprises a second top surface and a secondbottom surface; and wherein said second bottom surface is configured tobe in contact with an object to be gripped.
 4. The exercise glove ofclaim 3, wherein said first top surface has a high amount of frictionwith said palm of said user.
 5. The exercise glove of claim 3, whereinsaid second bottom surface has a high amount of friction with saidobject to be gripped.
 6. The exercise glove of claim 1, wherein saidknuckles portion is constructed from a substantially flexible andelastic material, such that said exercise glove is substantiallyprevented from inadvertently slipping off said hand of said user.
 7. Theexercise glove of claim 1, wherein said dorsal portion is constructedfrom a substantially inelastic and semi-rigid material, such that saidexercise glove is substantially prevented from inadvertently slippingoff said hand of said user.
 8. The exercise glove of claim 1, whereinsaid dorsal portion and said knuckles portion are connected at a firstseam; wherein said first seam runs substantially along a back of a handof a user; and wherein said first seam is curved and is configured torest behind a plurality of first knuckles of said user, such that whensaid user is gripping an object, said seam substantially prevents saidexercise glove from inadvertently slipping off said hand of said user.9. The exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said knuckles portion isconstructed from a substantially flexible and elastic material, whereinsaid dorsal portion is constructed from a substantially inelastic andsemi-rigid material, and wherein said first seam is substantially curvedalong said back hand of said user, such that an arc tensioning system iscreated, which substantially prevents said glove from inadvertentlyslipping off said hand of said user.
 10. The exercise glove of claim 1,further comprising a tab.
 11. The exercise glove of claim 10, whereinsaid tab provides said user with a point of contact to don said exerciseglove more easily.
 12. The exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said underfingers portion comprise a plurality of second knuckle tabs, whereinsaid second knuckle tabs extend said under fingers portion to a distalend of a plurality of second knuckles of said user; and wherein saidupper fingers portion and said webbing fingers portion extend to aproximal end of said plurality of second knuckles of said user, suchthat said under fingers portion extends further along a plurality offingers of a user than said upper fingers portion and said webbingfingers portion.
 13. An exercise glove, comprising: a palm portion; adorsal portion; a knuckles portion; and a fingers portion; wherein saidfingers portion comprise a plurality of finger holes, an upper fingersportion, an under fingers portion, and a webbing fingers portion;wherein said dorsal portion and said knuckles portion are connected at afirst seam; wherein said first seam runs substantially along a back of ahand of a user; wherein said under fingers portion comprises a pluralityof second knuckle tabs; wherein said plurality of second knuckle tabsextend said under fingers portion to a distal end of a plurality ofsecond knuckles of said user; wherein said upper fingers portion andsaid webbing fingers portion extend to a proximal end of said pluralityof second knuckles of said user, such that said under fingers portionextends further along a plurality of fingers of a user than said upperfingers portion and said webbing fingers portion; wherein said dorsalportion and said knuckles portion are connected to form a first seam;wherein said palm portion comprises two layers, a first layer and asecond layer; and wherein said first layer and said second layer have alow amount of friction between them, such that when a user dons saidexercise gloves said low amount of friction between said first layer andsaid second layer substantially prevents callous formation on said handof said user.
 14. The exercise glove of claim 13, wherein said palmportion is constructed from a single piece of material; wherein said twolayers are created by folding said single piece of material; whereinsaid first layer comprises a first top surface and a first bottomsurface; wherein said first top surface is configured to be in contactwith a portion of a palm of said user; wherein said second layercomprises a second top surface and a second bottom surface; wherein saidsecond bottom surface is configured to be in contact with an object tobe gripped; wherein said first top surface has a high amount of frictionwith said palm of said user; and wherein said second bottom surface hasa high amount of friction with said object to be gripped.
 15. Theexercise glove of claim 14, wherein said knuckles portion is constructedfrom a substantially flexible and elastic material, such that saidexercise glove is substantially prevented from inadvertently slippingoff said hand of said user.
 16. The exercise glove of claim 14, whereinsaid dorsal portion is constructed from a substantially inelastic andsemi-rigid material, such that said exercise glove is substantiallyprevented from inadvertently slipping off said hand of said user. 17.The exercise glove of claim 14, wherein said first seam is curved and isconfigured to rest behind a plurality of first knuckles of said user,such that when said user is gripping an object, said seam substantiallyprevents said exercise glove from inadvertently slipping off said handof said user.
 18. The exercise glove of claim 14, wherein said knucklesportion is constructed from a substantially flexible and elasticmaterial, wherein said dorsal portion is constructed from asubstantially inelastic and semi-rigid material, and wherein said firstseam is substantially curved along said back hand of said user, suchthat an arc tensioning system is created, which substantially preventssaid glove from inadvertently slipping off said hand of said user. 19.The exercise glove of claim 14, further comprising a tab; wherein saidtab provides said user with a point of contact to don said exerciseglove more easily.
 20. An exercise glove, comprising: a palm portion; adorsal portion; a tab; a knuckles portion; and a fingers portion;wherein said fingers portion comprise a plurality of finger holes, anupper fingers portion, an under fingers portion, and a webbing fingersportion; wherein said dorsal portion and said knuckles portion areconnected at a first seam; wherein said first seam runs substantiallyalong a back of a hand of a user; wherein said under fingers portioncomprises a plurality of second knuckle tabs; wherein said plurality ofsecond knuckle tabs extend said under fingers portion to a distal end ofa plurality of second knuckles of said user; wherein said upper fingersportion and said webbing fingers portion extend to a proximal end ofsaid plurality of second knuckles of said user, such that said underfingers portion extends further along a plurality of fingers of a userthan said upper fingers portion and said webbing fingers portion;wherein said dorsal portion and said knuckles portion are connected toform a first seam; wherein said palm portion comprises two layers, afirst layer and a second layer; wherein said first layer and said secondlayer have a low amount of friction between them, such that when a userdons said exercise gloves said low amount of friction between said firstlayer and said second layer substantially prevents callous formation onsaid hand of said user; wherein said palm portion is constructed from asingle piece of material; wherein said two layers are created by foldingsaid single piece of material; wherein said first layer comprises afirst top surface and a first bottom surface; wherein said first topsurface is configured to be in contact with a portion of a palm of saiduser; wherein said second layer comprises a second top surface and asecond bottom surface; wherein said second bottom surface is configuredto be in contact with an object to be gripped; wherein said first topsurface has a high amount of friction with said palm of said user;wherein said second bottom surface has a high amount of friction withsaid object to be gripped; wherein said knuckles portion is constructedfrom a substantially flexible and elastic material, wherein said dorsalportion is constructed from a substantially inelastic and semi-rigidmaterial, and wherein said first seam is substantially curved along saidback hand of said user, such that an arc tensioning system is created,which substantially prevents said glove from inadvertently slipping offsaid hand of said user; and wherein said tab provides said user with apoint of contact to don said exercise glove more easily.